An Act for the relief of sick and disabled seamen

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An Act for the relief of sick and disabled seamen

This act was passed by the 5th United States Congress and signed by President John Adams on July 16, 1798. It took effect on September 1, 1798. Its purpose was to raise money to help sick and disabled seamen and to build hospitals for their care.

Key provisions:
- Masters of U.S. vessels arriving from foreign ports must withhold 20 cents per month from each seaman’s wages and pay it to port collectors.
- Collectors may not renew licenses for vessels in the coasting trade unless the master complies; a fine of $100 may be imposed for noncompliance.
- Collected funds are sent to the Treasury every quarter.
- The President may use the funds to treat seamen in existing hospitals; any surplus may be used to build more hospitals at U.S. ports.
- The President appoints port directors to oversee spending at each port; these directors manage the funds and must account for their use.